poise 1 of 2

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as in posture
a general way of holding the body the woman's poise suggested that she was accustomed to having her wishes carried out promptly and without question

Synonyms & Similar Words

poise

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word poise different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of poise are address, savoir faire, and tact. While all these words mean "skill and grace in dealing with others," poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.

answered the accusations with unruffled poise

When would address be a good substitute for poise?

The words address and poise can be used in similar contexts, but address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends.

brought it off with remarkable address

When can savoir faire be used instead of poise?

The words savoir faire and poise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient.

the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler

Where would tact be a reasonable alternative to poise?

The meanings of tact and poise largely overlap; however, tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.

questions showing a lack of tact

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of poise
Noun
But on Thursday night, in the biggest game of the season, that poise abandoned them. Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 30 May 2025 His poise and stuff have earned him a spot in the rotation, and the Phillies, barring injuries, do not anticipate changes to the rotation soon. Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 14 June 2025
Verb
We are poised to build a series of major new projects in the national interest. Jordan King shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025 By the time Alex is poised to shoot her, the smoke alarm goes off, the delayed result of Charlie cranking up the burners in the safe house. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for poise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poise
Noun
  • After years of living alone, Rhoda takes in a lodger, but the change unsettles the equilibrium of her home.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 25 June 2025
  • The show presents surfing as a balance between surrendering to nature while conquering a wave, a push-pull dynamic that can only work in equilibrium, and McNamara has been a compelling personification of that, someone who trains and strives and competes to maintain sangfroid.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Negotiated with collaborators whose words promised partnership while their posture hinted at problems.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Address pelvic floor tension by varying your movements throughout the day and watching your posture.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Born into the cult, Prophet draws comparisons between the group’s apocalyptic dogma (braced for a Soviet nuclear strike, the church built extensive Montana bomb shelters in the early 1990s), and Christian Nationalism, QAnon and the MAGA movement.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Chicago is bracing for another violent 4th of July weekend as Fox News political analyst Gianno Caldwell continues to fight for answers in his brother's 2022 murder in the Windy City.
    Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Gas prices are hovering near their lowest summer level in four years as millions of people ready themselves to hit the roads over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 3 July 2025
  • When the first pitch of the Texas baseball team's home opener is thrown around 1 p.m. on Friday, temperatures in the Austin area will be hovering around 35 degrees.
    Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • The company also refused to apologize for CBS’ reporting or edits, a stance to protect its journalistic ethics and 1st Amendment rights.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025
  • Some are taking a harder stance on age compliance checks for alcohol sales.
    Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Following the January departure of Flos B&B Italia’s chief executive officer, luxury veteran Daniel Lalonde, its new management has been focused on fortifying each firm in its portfolio before selling them off.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
  • Its railing is fortified with plexiglass safety barriers to prevent children from climbing, according to USA Today.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The knife seemed to have jumped out of the drawer and was floating towards me.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 July 2025
  • Use floating row covers over seedlings and susceptible crops such as eggplants, which can be decimated by flea beetles.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • But the hustle down the line that followed, resulting in a single for the visiting leadoff hitter to start Friday’s 7-6 win over the A’s, was a representation of Lukes’ hard-working attitude, according to his former head coach at Sacramento State, Reggie Christiansen.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2025
  • That sense of awe can improve our well-being, contribute to a more positive attitude, and boost curiosity.
    Anthony Fredericks, CNBC, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Poise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poise. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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